VT

Varun TokasAIR 117

Question 15GS1GS1

Enumerate the environmental conditions conducive to the formation of coral reefs. Discuss the major natural and anthropogenic factors responsible for their degradation. (Answer in 250 words)

Open scan (p.34)

Main Body

Corals are referred to as "oceanic rainforests" and constitute 25% of marine oceanic diversity.

Environmental conditions to form corals:

1Suitable temperatures and adequate sunshine
2High concentration of plankton to support zooxanthellae population
3Suitable bedrock to allow corals to anchor to them
4Presence of carbonate in water to allow coral growth.
5Proper oxygen concentrations to support life
6Calm waters free from extreme weather variations

However corals are being high bleaching and degradation.

Natural factors:

1Extreme weather such as tsunamis and earthquakes breakdown corals
2Oceanic currents are seasonal → lead to shift in plankton population
3Depletion of oceanic nutrients such as carbonate leads to coral breakdown.

Anthropogenic Factors:

1Rising sea temperatures leads to heat stress → bleaching of corals
2Ocean acidification leads to dissolution of corals
3Presence of invasive species brought by tourism such as Great Parrot Fish causes competition
4Illegal mining and sale of corals → used in cement
5Anthropogenic weather variations due to global warming reduce climactic sustainability of corals

△ Shift in current shifts loss of nutrient

Corals are integral to preserving Marine biodiversity. Initiatives such as artificial barracks in Mumbai signify positive developments to achieve SDG-14.

heat stressbleaching of corals
2Ocean acidification leads to dissolution of corals
3Presence of invasive species brought by tourism such as Great Parrot/Reef causes competition
4Illegal mining and sale of corals → used in cement
5Anthropogenic weather variations due to global warming reduce climactic sustainability of corals

△ Shift in current shift loss of nutrient

Corals are integral to preserving Marine biodiversity. Initiatives such as artificial barracks in Mumbai signify positive developments to achieve SDG-14.

282 words7 paragraphs
  • Good opening with statistical significance (25% of marine diversity)
  • Clear enumeration of environmental prerequisites
  • Mentions specific biological requirements (zooxanthellae, plankton)
  • Comprehensive enumeration of both natural and anthropogenic factors
  • Specific examples provided (Great Parrot Fish, artificial reefs in Mumbai)
  • Links to sustainable development goals
  • References real-world conservation initiatives
  • Connects to global development agenda

Topper

Varun Tokas

AIR 117

Subject & Paper

GS1GS1

Topic

Important Geophysical Phenomena

Flora and fauna and effects of changes

Coral reef formation and degradation

Writing Stats

282

Total words

7

Paragraphs

analytical and comprehensive

Tone